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Vertical profiles of salinity, and isotopic abundance ratios of hydrogen (δ2H ) and oxygen (@delta;18O) of 18 landfast ice cores, collected along the northeast coast of James Bay in March 2019, and one ice core collected in Belcher Islands, were used to obtain the winter timeseries of the spatiotemporal evolution of the under-ice plume of La Grande River (LGR), the dominant river in the area. Variability in the isotopic composition and salinity of the ice cores indicated changes to the water source composition at the ice-water interface when the ice layers formed. The increased presence of river water beneath the ice during January-March was marked by more negative isotopic ratios in the lower portion of the ice as river discharge was increased for hydroelectric production. River water was the source of ~43% of the ice in our ice core samples (n=320) with the interquartile range from 16% to 71%. The river water fractions incorporated into the ice indicate that LGR under-ice plume extended more than 75 km north and at least 30 km south of the river mouth for ~3 months. These findings correspond well with more challenging to obtain hydrographic observations. End-of-winter ice core sampling and analysis for isotopic abundance has potential as a tool to monitor dispersal of LGR discharge into the ice-covered coastal environment.

Marine protected areas contribute to mitigating the effects of human activities on marine ecosystems. The waters of Southampton Island, Nunavut, Canada are under consideration to become a marine protected area, but baseline information of marine mammal presence and habitat use is lacking. This study represents the first passive acoustic monitoring of marine mammals in this area, with data collected in 2018 and 2019. Bioacoustics analyses and generalized linear models were used to investigate species seasonal and temporal vocalization trends; infer behavior and habitat use from vocal cues; and explore vocal activity correlation with sea ice. Over a diel period, bearded seals (Erignathus barbatus (Erxleben, 1777)) and walruses (Odobenus rosmarus (Linnaeus, 1758)) were found to increase their vocal activity at night, whereas belugas (Delphinapterus leucas (Pallas, 1776)) mainly vocalized during daytime. Seasonally, bearded seals were recorded only during their breeding season at sea ice break-up, while walruses vocalized consistently throughout the open-water period outside their breeding season. Beluga vocal trends suggest their use of the area as a migratory corridor during sea ice break-up and freeze-up. Finally, bowhead whales (Balaena mysticetus Linnaeus, 1758) were recorded later than expected, concurrently with the onset of their mating vocal displays during the fall migration at sea ice freeze-up.

Numerous studies have been conducted to enhance our understanding of how climate change impacts landfast ice and its break-up in spring or summer. Yet, predictions of break-up timing have proven elusive illusive, and dependent on multiple environmental drivers. In this study, we investigate whether/to what extent snow melt on land adjacent to the coast can serve as a precursor to landfast ice break-up. For the study, we used MODIS snowmelt timing products to explore the pattern of snowmelt across the study area. This was compared against landfast ice break-up dates generated mainly from CIS ice-chart, across the Hudson Bay and James Bay coast. Snowmelt timings recorded across the study area followed the same latitudinal gradient as the landfast ice break-up dates, with almost a 50-day difference between the south and the north snowmelt and ice break-up timings. The data shows that the timing of landfast ice break-up across the Hudson Bay and James Bay region showed significantly stronger correlations with the timing of terrestrial snowmelt, as compared to air temperature thresholds, with an average 17-day gap observed between snowmelt to landfast ice break-up. Based on the observations, we believe snowmelt can be a reliable precursor to landfast ice break-up.

In recent years, nanomaterials have gained attention as potential tools for tissue engineering, providing adaptable platforms for long-term medical treatment. In this research, we detailed the physicochemical characteristics of a range of nanoparticles—quantum dots, gold, silver, and iron oxide— that are crucial for their use in tissue engineering. While gold nanoparticles were 20 nm in size, 30 m^2/g in surface area, and had a positive zeta potential of +20 mV, silver nanoparticles were 15 nm in size, 25 m^2/g in surface area, and had a negative zeta potential of -15 mV. The size, surface area, and zeta potential of iron oxide nanoparticles were 30 nm, 40 m^2/g, and +10 mV, respectively. In contrast, the lowest size and zeta potential of quantum dots were 10 nm and +30 mV, respectively. It was also noted that mechanical strength, pore size, and porosity are important scaffold qualities that regulate cellular activity and tissue regeneration. Collagen scaffolds had a lower mechanical strength of 15 MPa, a larger porosity of 90%, and a smaller pore size of 50 µm, in contrast to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffolds that had 100 µm pores, 80% porosity, and 20 MPa mechanical strength, respectively. In comparison to chitosan scaffolds, which had the biggest pore size of 120 µm, porosity of 75%, and mechanical strength of 25 MPa, gelatin scaffolds had a moderate hole size of 75 µm, an 85% porosity, and an intermediate mechanical strength of 18 MPa. In addition, testing cell viability and proliferation on scaffolds that included nanomaterials revealed that these materials may influence cellular behavior; for example, gold nanoparticles exhibited a cell vitality of 95% and a cell proliferation that was much higher than control. Finally, the regulated and sustained release kinetics seen in drug release profiles from drug delivery systems based on nanomaterials demonstrate their promise for improving therapeutic results. In conclusion, the research highlights the importance of nanomaterials in developing long-term healthcare solutions and explains their many uses in tissue engineering.

In this study, two dissimilar materials (Al 5052 and AZ31) have been welded using the Friction stir process (FSW). Taguchi’s philosophy has been used to design the experiment using four input parameters (Tool types (TP), Tool traverse speed (TTS), Tool tilt angle (TTA), and Tool rotation Speed (TRS)). The machining performances have been identified using ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and Vickers hardness (HV). The models are evaluated for sufficiency, and then the most significant parameters are determined using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The ANOVA results revealed that TTS has a maximum contribution of 50.2% and 46.5% towards obtaining the high UTS and HV, respectively. The mathematical model using the non-linear model for UTS and HV has been created to predict the mechanical properties of FSWed joints. The prediction welding accuracy of a multi-objective optimization has been performed using the Multi-Objective Dragonfly Algorithm (MODA). The adopted strategy shows a high welding accuracy with minimum computational time.

As intricate global trade demands new solutions, traditional supply chains struggle with opacity, traceability, and security concerns. In response to the present apprehensions, Blockchain technology (BT) offers an appealing solution through its decentralised and transparent ledger. This paper critically examines the transformative impact of BT on supply chain efficiency, exploring its potential to revolutionise traditional, often opaque, and error-prone systems. This study utilises a systematic literature review of 75 selected papers to provide insights into how blockchain technology is integrated into supply chain management, showcasing its potential. The paper aims to provide a balanced and nuanced perspective on the impact of blockchain technology on supply chain efficiency. It highlights the transformative potential of this technology while emphasising the need for careful consideration of its challenges and limitations before wide-scale adoption.

This paper considers and compares the hysteresis stress and strain and the penetration property of spur gear assemblies based on three unique designs. Spur gear plays an important part in mechanical structures, and any mechanical setup should consider the execution of such a mechanical component under distinct designs to improve its mechanical productivity and sustainability. To explore the ways in which the mechanical behaviour of the designs varies with the design configurations, we integrate simulation analysis with an experimental study. The outcomes of this paper indicate considerable differences in both hysteresis stress, strain distribution, and penetration behavior measurements between three designs. The paper explains the stated disparities by the unique geometric layouts and material characteristics of each design. Furthermore, it emphasizes that some of the examined designs have lower hysteresis losses and favourable stress and strain distributions, which positively affects the long-term performance of gear systems. Other designs, however, exhibit severe penetration and stress concentrations leading to rapid gear wear and likely premature failure. In distinguishing these events, the present study offers a valuable approach to the parameters that influence the performance of gear systems and aids in the improvement of the design methodology.

Grapes (Vitis vinífera L) is extensively cultivated and widely consumed fruit world wide But it is also very highly susceptible to fungal infections such as B cinérea which increases post-harvest losses, quality deterioration, and making it unsuitable for human consumption. This results in significant economic loss of grapes and impacts grape farmers’ profits. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify potential methods and approaches to decrease post-harvest losses of grapes caused by B. cinérea. Currently, synthetic fungicides are used to control grape infections which has harmful impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, essential oil from plants sources could be a potential alternative to synthetic fungicides. In this study, antifungal activity of three essential oils was evaluated against B. cinérea using fumigation method. In an in vitro study, the essential oils extracted from Zingiber officinale and Saturaga montana, each at a concentration of 4mg/mL, exhibited complete inhibition (100%) of fungal growth. The physiological study of fruit in term of TSS, pH and weight loss showed that there is slow deterioration of fruit during storage. In-vivo results showed that essential oil from natural source can be potential alternative for synthetic fungicides which is ecofriendly and effective to control diseases and post-harvest losses in grapes.

Citrus fruits are highly valued for their flavor, nutritional content, and versatility, but their perishable nature makes them susceptible to postharvest losses due to fungal infections. Conventional synthetic fungicides, while effective, raise concerns about food safety and environmental impact. Essential oils have emerged as promising alternatives due to their natural antifungal properties. This study investigates the antifungal activity of four plant essential oils as antifungal fumigants against Penicillium digitatum, the primary cause of green mould disease in citrus fruits. In vitro fumigant assays, Satureja montana essential oil exhibits the highest inhibition percentage against P. digitatum. In vivo experiments confirmed the efficacy of S. montana oil in reducing fungal growth on mandarins. Further analysis of different parameters revealed potential alterations in fruit quality attributes based on ripening, acidity, and firmness. Therefore, essential oils could be a potential alternative and eco-friendly approach for postharvest disease management in citrus fruits, contributing to efforts towards food safety, environmental sustainability, and public health.

Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) believed to be the progenitor of modern cultivated tomatoes, is one of the world’s most cultivated and widely consumed vegetables. However, it is very susceptible to fungal (Botrytis cinerea) infection, which decreases shelf life, and increases post-harvest loss. Postharvest loss and lower quality of fruit decrease the economic value of the crop or may make it unsuitable for human consumption and affect farmer profit. Therefore, an effective method is needed to reduce tomato’s post-harvest loss. This study aims to assess the efficacy of Zingiber officinale oil and Piper nigrum oil in controlling fungal disease in tomato fruit. The antifungal activity of essential oil was evaluated using the essential oil fumigation method. The result showed that essential oil significantly inhibits Botrytis cinerea growth as compared to the control. Therefore, essential oil can effectively control the fungal diseases of cherry tomatoes against Botrytis cinerea fruit rot and reduce the post-harvest loss of tomatoes.

Seed biopriming induces a physiological condition that promotes germination and uniform seedling emergence. An investigation is carried out on different seeds such as carrot (Daucus carota subsp. Sativus), onion (Allium cepa L.), cauliflower (Brassica oleracea), radish, (Raphanus sativus), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and pea (Pisum sativum) to standardise bio-priming with Bacillus siamensis strain NKIT-9 to improve seed germination and seedling vigor index. To optimise the concentration of bio-priming seedlings were bioprimed overnight with Bacillus siamensis strain (NKIT-9) at varied concentrations (0.1mg/ml, 10µg/ml, 0.1µg/ml, and 10ng/ml). Bio-priming with Bacillus siamensis strain NKIT-9 gave highest values of germination percentage and seedling vigor index of carrot (at 0.1mg/ml), onion (at 0.1µg/ml ), cauliflower at 0.1mg/ml, 10µg/ml, and 0.1µg/ml), radish (at0.1mg/ml and 0.1µg/ml), tomato (at 0.1mg/ml), spinach (at 10ng/ml ), fenugreek (at 10ng/ml) and pea (a10ng/ml ) as compared with control. carrot, onion, cauliflower, radish, tomato, spinach, fenugreek, and pea exhibited higher germination percentages (60%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 80%, 90%, 100%, and 60% respectively) and seedling vigor indexes (148 ,720, 910, 880, 525, 580, 990, and 1018 respectively) when compared with control. Therefore, bio-priming with these concentrations is best suited for improving germination rate and seedling vigor of seeds.

In order to tackle the worldwide problems of water pollution and shortage, this work explores the green synthesis of nanocomposite membranes for sustainable water filtering. Graphene oxide, cellulose nanocrystals, and silver nanoparticles were used as nanofillers in the fabrication of nanocomposite membranes, which were made using renewable polymer matrix (PES, PVDF, PAN). By including different polymer matrices and nanofillers, the composition analysis demonstrated the adaptability of nanocomposite membrane manufacturing, enabling the customization of membrane characteristics. Improved membrane shape and structural integrity were shown to result from the homogeneous dispersion of nanofillers inside the polymer matrix, according to characterization tests. Nanocomposite membranes demonstrated high flux rates and rejection rates for different pollutants, confirming their excellent performance in filtration experiments. The membranes’ improved fouling resistance also increased their service life and decreased the frequency of maintenance needs. Supporting the eco-friendliness of nanocomposite membrane production, an environmental impact evaluation found that it used less energy and generated less trash than traditional techniques. All things considered, nanocomposite membranes have shown great promise as long-term water treatment solutions due to their superior performance, durability, and environmental friendliness, as well as their effective production and characterisation. More study is needed to perfect membrane characteristics and solve the remaining problems that prevent their broad use in water treatment systems.

India is a Democratic country with a huge population where voting plays an important role. Every citizen has the right to choose their leaders. This is done by using electronic voting machines (EVMs) at polling booths. But even there may be some malfunctions during elections. Under these circumstances holding elections is a complex task for the Election Commission because there is rigging taking place. Electronic voting systems have come into the picture to prevent rigging up to the maximum extent. For this, we are using the R307 Fingerprint Module which scans the fingerprint and gives input to Arduino Uno. Our developed algorithm stores the particular fingerprint in the storage drive and makes sure that the fingerprint is unique from the previously stored data. Thus, when the same person comes to poll his vote during the elections, he needs to give his fingerprint before polling his vote if his fingerprint is already present in stored data. If both the data are matched. The person can be eligible to pole his vote else the buzzer will give us the alert sound. The advanced technology will improve the “Biometric Voting System” through the fingerprint enrolment process making the authentication easy and enhancing security.

This study explores the advancement of aluminum-based composite manufacturing through the integration of titanium dioxide (TiO2) reinforcement using the stir casting technique. Aluminum alloy served as the matrix material, combined with ceramic reinforcement particles, melted at approximately 700°C within a muffle furnace. Through continuous stirring at 400 rpm for 10 minutes, ceramic particles were uniformly dispersed into the molten alloy, crucial for enhancing composite properties. The incorporation of 6.5% TiO2 via stir casting resulted in significant enhancements across multiple mechanical properties. Tensile strength improved by 23.67%, while hardness saw a remarkable increase of 38.9%. Additionally, fatigue strength exhibited a notable improvement of 26.67%, and wear resistance showed a substantial enhancement of 24.34%. The uniform dispersion of TiO2 particles throughout the composite material underscores the efficacy of the stir casting technique in achieving consistent improvements across various performance metrics. These findings hold promise for the development of high-performance aluminum-based composites tailored for diverse engineering applications.

Smart materials have been revolutionizing the field of biomedical engineering due to their unique properties and capabilities. They are able to respond to various external stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, and magnetic fields, among others. In this review, we will discuss the current trends and future challenges in the use of smart materials in biomedical applications. We will focus on the different types of smart materials and their properties, as well as their potential applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, biosensors, and medical devices. We will also discuss the challenges and limitations associated with the use of smart materials, such as biocompatibility, stability, and scalability. Finally, we will provide an outlook on the future of smart materials in biomedical applications and the potential impact on healthcare.

Modern material processing methods are revolutionizing the biomedical and health care sectors while offering previously unexplored possibilities for the development of cutting-edge biomaterials. The development of materials with distinctive optical, mechanical, and biological characteristics can be made feasible by innovative techniques such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) & sol-gel processing. These developments have a wide range of applications such as biological sensing technologies, drugs delivery systems, as well as tissue engineering. The present investigation examines the application of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and sol-gel techniques for producing biomaterials customized for certain biomedical applications. The development of nanomaterials, such as mesoporous silica nanoparticles, biologically active glass nanoparticles, and graphene-based coatings, will be discussed in particular. These materials were chosen for their adaptability and demonstrate promise in a number of medical domains, including the advancement of diagnostic imaging techniques, medication delivery systems, and wound healing processes.

Multiscale modeling and simulation offer crucial insights for designing and analyzing metal forming, bending, welding, and casting processes, all of which are vital across automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. This paper overviews multiscale techniques used in these areas. Macroscopically, continuum-based methods like finite element analysis (FEA) model the overall process and its impact on metal materials. FEA reveals deformation, stress distribution, and temperature changes during manufacturing processes. Mesoscale techniques, including crystal plasticity, phase field methods, and cellular automata, focus on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties. They model the behavior of grains and phases within the metal. These models combine macro and mesoscale data for accuracy. This allows for the prediction of grain growth, recrystallization, and phase transformations – critical for optimizing processes, refining component design, and ensuring quality. For example, multiscale modeling successfully captured microstructural evolution during casting (demonstrating ±2% average grain growth deviation) and predicted defect formation in welded joints with high accuracy (demonstrating a 0.95 correlation coefficient with non-destructive testing).

Many groups of microorganisms have been studied for their benefits towards humankind due to their capacity to produce natural compounds that can be valorized in many economic sectors such as agriculture. Due to the extensive use of chemicals pesticides and fertilizers, current agriculture systems facing several major problems such as emergence of resistant in pathogens and pests, soil infertility and bioaccumulation of toxic residues in the environment and particularly in foods which negatively affects human health. The use of natural products harmless to plants, humans and biodegradable constitute a promising way to overcome these problems. Modern agriculture systems are moving toward the use of beneficial microorganisms isolated from the soil, plant surfaces and inside tissues for developing eco-friendly products such as biofertilizers and biopesticides. Recent literatures show that colonization of plants by endophytes is the rule in nature and endophyte-free plant is a rare exception. Endophytes are microbes living inside plant tissues and supporting them in growth and development, as well as stresses tolerance without causing any apparent disease symptom. Abiotic stresses have a great impact on growth, production and health of plants. Many literatures show the role of endophytes in abiotic stress tolerance as well as mechanisms involved to cope with these constraints via the induction of stress-related genes and molecules. This review provides a summary of literature on how endophytes modulate plant growth and responses to abiotic stresses which may help to better understand their role in plant adaptation to environmental constraints and valorize their use in agriculture.

The idea that women are not cut out for business is outdated; in modern times, an increasing number of Indian women are venturing into the world of business due to the allure of its flexibility and the opportunity to exercise their creativity in this arena. However, the road is not as smooth as it could appear. The path to entrepreneurship can be fraught with difficulties for women, much like a rose that is surrounded by thorns. The purpose of this article is to examine the factors affecting the work-life balance of female entrepreneurs and to highlight some successful journeys of Indian female entrepreneurs amid these hurdles and challenges. A representative sample of one hundred fifty female entrepreneurs in the Indian state of Rajasthan was used. For this study, a questionnaire that was more structured and convenience sampling method was used. It was determined, in the end, that aspects such as financial assistance and family support affect their ability to maintain a healthy work-life balance, and job satisfaction is the result of this. This study is limited to only one state of India, but it needs to be conducted in a larger geographical area to help out and increase the interest in entrepreneurship among females and to ensure their sustainability in this field for a longer time.

Cryptocurrencies have emerged as a disruptive technology with the potential to revolutionize the financial landscape. This research paper aims to explore the topic of cryptocurrency adoption and its implications from multiple perspectives. This research paper is based on secondary data collected by researchers from various sources and papers reviewed by the researcher. It was clear from the secondary data that the cryptocurrency landscape continues to mature and overcome the challenges it faces, and the potential for Bitcoin and other digital assets to transform the global financial system and revolutionize the way we conduct transactions, store value, and access financial services seems increasingly likely. A cryptocurrency-based ecosystem can provide opportunities for new market entrants and support startups by facilitating the process of fundraising. For instance, initial coin offerings enable entrepreneurs and investors to finance new projects without the recourse to intermediaries and endorsements of traditional investors and financial bodies. Cryptocurrency is a constant evolution driven by a diverse and passionate community of developers, entrepreneurs, investors, and users. The future of money is being reimagined, and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin are at the forefront of this exciting transformation.

The Interview Automation System is an Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered platform designed to help users prepare for real-life interviews. By asking questions and evaluating responses against original answers, our system provides users with a valuable opportunity to practice and improve their interview skills. The research aims to increase users' familiarity with the interview process, ultimately boosting their confidence and improving their chances of success. The workflow of the research involves several key steps, including data pre-processing and database management, audio-based question delivery, and audio-based answer collection and evaluation. Our platform is easily scalable and can be expanded to include additional functionalities such as users confidence detection, resume-based topic questioning, and body language analysis.

With the emergence of novel thermally accelerated methods, the area of material science has undergone a paradigm shift, opening up previously unimaginable possibilities for the creation of next-generation materials with improved properties and functionalities. In order to shape the materials of the future, this paper explores the ground-breaking uses of thermally accelerated techniques such quick thermal annealing, spark plasma sintering, and laser-assisted deposition. Due to sluggish diffusion rates and incomplete reactions, traditional materials synthesis and processing processes frequently have trouble producing materials with the appropriate characteristics. This allows for accurate atomic-level manipulation of material microstructures. The engineering of materials with specific mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical properties is made possible by the fine-tuning of microstructures. The importance of thermally accelerated processes in a variety of material classes, including metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites, is highlighted in this research. The use of thermally enhanced processes shows potential in promoting sustainable practises, as materials play a crucial part in addressing global concerns. These procedures help to reduce waste and conserve resources by enabling the effective recycling and upcycling of materials through controlled thermal treatments. The report also highlights the potential effects of thermally enhanced techniques on future industries such as flexible electronics, renewable energy systems, and medicinal devices, where specialised materials with outstanding performance are crucial.

In conclusion, the analysis and measurement of thermal properties are crucial for a wide range of applications in science, technology, and industry. For energy efficiency optimisation, the design of sophisticated materials, and the creation of cutting-edge technologies, it is essential to comprehend how heat is transmitted and handled within materials. Researchers can precisely evaluate thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and other thermal parameters using a variety of experimental methodologies, including both conventional and cutting-edge technologies. This enables accurate material characterisation and performance evaluation. The landscape of thermal management and energy conversion has been significantly shaped by nanostructured materials. Their distinct nanoscale characteristics provide chances to modify thermal behaviour, boost effectiveness, and add new features. Researchers are able to manage heat conduction, phonon behaviour, and charge transport through the use of designed nanostructures, which has led to breakthroughs in a variety of industries, including electronics, energy storage, thermoelectric devices, and more. In addition to promoting energy efficiency and waste heat recovery, these developments pave the path for sustainable solutions to the world’s rising energy needs and environmental problems. We are on the verge of ground-breaking discoveries that have the potential to restructure industries, enhance energy sustainability, and pave the way for a more effective and linked society as we continue to investigate and harness the complex behaviour of heat within materials.

This research paper aims to examine the current state of intellectual property rights (IPRs) and propose a way forward to address the challenges faced by various stakeholders in the global intellectual property landscape. Specifically, the paper will look at the state of intellectual property rights around the world. In this paper, researcher discussed the role that intellectual property rights (IPRs) play in fostering innovation, creativity, and economic growth. We also highlighted the controversies that surround IPRs, such as the debate on their impact on access to essential medicines and the balance between protection and competition. In addition to this, the article investigates the efforts made by education sector in India to promote IPR as an integral part of education and academics. The way forward that has been suggested involves taking a balanced approach that takes into account the interests of all of the stakeholders and acknowledges the changing nature of intellectual property in this age of digital technology. In its conclusion, researcheremphasizes the importance of continuing collaboration and conversation between policymakers, industry participants, and members of civil society in order to create a long-term and equitable intellectual property regime.

Since it was first documented in 1948 by Sir William Heneage Ogilvie, numerous cases of Ogilvie Syndrome have been described in literature due to various medical and surgical causes. Nonetheless, only a handful of cases only have been documented due to underlying Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). A 41-year-old female was admitted with an acute abdomen secondary to partial mechanical intestinal obstruction or paralytic ileus based on signs and symptoms and Abdominal X-Ray (AXR). She was known to be HIV/AIDS WHO clinical stage II on treatment. On diagnostic imaging studies she had distended large bowels without features of mechanical intestinal obstruction and the diagnosis of Ogilvie syndrome was suspected after other differentials were excluded. Early recognition and appropriate management are essential, because if left untreated the bowel distension may progress to caecal perforation and fatal peritonitis. Medical imaging with Computer Tomography (CT) scan and colonoscopy has helped in achieving an accurate diagnosis and avoiding unnecessary laparotomies. Although an uncommon disorder, for earlier and accurate diagnosis a high index of suspicion is required by clinicians and radiologists and clinicians who are treating patients with underlying HIV/AIDS. Ogilvie’s syndrome is a rare condition and if missed can be fatal. In patients with HIV/AIDS, the symptoms may be directly due to HIV infection, secondary to opportunistic infections or possible neurotoxic effects of HIV treatment or lack of vitamin and minerals. It is important to exclude Ogilvie syndrome in patients from surgical causes of the acute abdomen to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

Surface modification of metallic biomedical implants are often performed using chemical or mechanical methods in order to make them more bio-active or resistant against surface-induced phenomena such as wear, corrosion or corrosion fatigue. In the present study, one such method, known as Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment (SMAT), has been studied in terms of its effects on the mechanical and functional response of a newly developed low modulus metastable β Ti-Nb-Ta-O alloy. The hardness of the surface was found to increase up to a certain duration of SMAT, due to increased degree of deformation on the surface. This was also supported by an increase in the peak broadening with respect to SMAT duration. Apart from surface hardening, SMAT also resulted in improvement of corrosion resistance of the Ti-Nb-Ta-O alloy due to formation of a more stable passive film.

Solvent extraction of spindle raw lube distillate from Oman crude using n-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) containing 1. 5wt. % water has been studied using a six-stage all-glass mixer-settler. Results of three operating temperatures with NMP are reported. A 65-55°C extraction temperature appears to be most appropriate for this stock. Data obtained at this temperature have been compared with those for furfural on the basis of phase boundary curves, extraction and lube refining indices and selectivity. Comparison of the results shows NMP to be more selective as far as raffinate yield is concerned. It requires lower operating solvent-to-feed ratios and lower temperatures. On étudie dans cet article l'extraction par solvant de distillats bruts pour huiles lubrifiantes spindles au moyen de n-méthyl pyrrolydone (NMP) contenant 1,5 % d'eau en poids, dans une unité en verre constituée par une batterie de six mélangeurs-décanteurs. On présente les résultats relatifs à trois températures de fonctionnement avec la NMP. Une température d'extraction de 66-55°C est celle qui convient le mieux pour cette huile de base. On compare les résultats obtenus à cette température avec ceux du furfural, en ce qui concerne les courbes de solubilité, les indices de raffinage et d'extraction, et les sélectivités. La comparaison des résultats montre que la NMP est plus sélective et conduit à un rendement de raffinat plus élevé. Elle nécessite des taux de solvant par rapport à la charge plus faibles ainsi que des températures d'extraction plus basses.

La farine de poisson et l’huile de poisson sont les principaux ingrédients des aliments piscicoles. L’essor de l’aquaculture mondiale a engendré une forte demande de ces matières premières fabriquées à partir des captures de pêches et dont la production stagne. Une partie des recherches sur la nutrition des poissons a été orientée par le besoin de diversifier les ingrédients des aliments piscicoles, pour réduire la dépendance de l’aquaculture aux matières premières marines. Cet article décrit l’évolution des recherches sur la nutrition des poissons : de l’étude des besoins nutritionnels à la compréhension des mécanismes de l’utilisation des nutriments et leur régulation par les ingrédients alimentaires pour répondre à des enjeux environnementaux et économiques. Les objectifs scientifiques ont été d’une part, de mieux comprendre les conditions de l’utilisation métabolique de l’apport azoté afin de réduire l’utilisation des acides aminés à des fins énergétiques, d’autre part, d’explorer les limites d’utilisation des sources énergétiques glucidiques et lipidiques. A titre d’illustration, il montre les progrès que les résultats de recherche ont permis de réaliser spécifiquement dans le domaine du remplacement des farines et huiles de poissons dans les aliments aquacoles, contribuant ainsi au développement durable de la filière piscicole.

Quantitativement, dans l’alimentation des poissons, le phosphore est l’élément minéral le plus important. Les données actuelles montrent que, chez les différentes espèces de téléostéens et de crustacés, le besoin en phosphore disponible se situe entre 0,4 et 0,9 % de l’aliment. La disponibilité du phosphore issu de différents ingrédients varie beaucoup entre espèces. Une fois le besoin couvert, l’excès de phosphore semble s’éliminer par voie urinaire. Nos connaissances sur le flux de phosphore chez les poissons sont cependant assez limitées. Il y a lieu aussi d’acquérir des données sur le rôle du phosphore d’origine alimentaire dans la régulation de l’état dynamique des structures osseuses et dans la prévention des déformations squelettiques. Du point de vue du maintien de la qualité du milieu, l’excès de phosphore se traduit souvent par une eutrophisation accrue des milieux aquatiques récepteurs. Même si l’impact environnemental de l’aquaculture demeure faible en termes de phosphore comparé aux autres activités humaines et qu’une forte teneur en phosphates ne soit pas nuisible aux poissons, il y a lieu d’éviter un apport en excès et d’assurer la meilleure utilisation des apports. Compte tenu du développement de l’aquaculture, de la diversité des espèces rencontrées et des enjeux liés à la diminution de la farine de poissons dans leur alimentation, l’étude du besoin nutritionnel en P et sa disponibilité retiennent une attention particulière des nutritionnistes.

En alimentation des poissons, le potentiel d’utilisation des glucides comme source d’énergie digestible est quelque peu controversé. Par exemple, la truite arc-en-ciel (Oncorhynchus mykiss), l’espèce la plus élevée en France, est considérée mauvaise utilisatrice des glucides, avec une hyperglycémie postprandiale prolongée et une baisse de croissance suite à un apport élevé en glucides (supérieur à 25-30 %). Afin d’améliorer l’utilisation des glucides alimentaires, une meilleure compréhension des mécanismes de contrôle nutritionnel du métabolisme du glucose s’est donc avéré nécessaire. Ainsi, en présence de glucides alimentaires, des études ont montré que la truite arc-en-ciel semble avoir des difficultés pour diminuer sa production endogène de glucose dans le foie et pour utiliser le glucose comme source énergétique au niveau musculaire. De plus, la truite présente des particularités dans le contrôle hormonal de l’homéostasie glucidique (somatostatines, glucagon-like peptide) qui jouent probablement aussi un rôle important.

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Résumé: La révolution très récente de la microscopie optique, associée à l'optimisation de la résolution spatiale et de la vitesse d'observation, a ouvert l'accès à la visualisation d'objets nanométriques. Ainsi, l'utilisation d'une nouvelle génération de microscopes de super-résolution combinée à l'amélioration des marqueurs fluorescents pour les protéines ou les lipides, permet désormais d'étudier le cycle réplicatif des virus à l'échelle de la molécule unique dans des modèles cellulaires fixés, mais aussi vivants, avec une précision nanométrique. Après une brève description chronologique et technique de ces nouvelles approches, nous détaillerons dans cette revue quelques exemples de microscopies de super-résolution ayant permis de revisiter notre compréhension du cycle de réplication de certains virus affectant l'humain, dans l'étude des relations hôte-pathogènes à l'échelle du virus et de la molécule unique. The recent revolution in optical fluorescence microscopy, supported by the optimization of both spatial resolution and acquisition speed, led to the ability to visualize nano-scaled objects. Currently, the use of a new generation of super-resolution fluorescence microscopes coupled to improved fluorescent probes gives the possibility to study the replicative cycle of viruses in living cells, at the single-virus and molecule level. In this review, after a brief chronological description of these new approaches, we highlight several examples of super-resolution microscopies that have allowed to revisit our understanding of several human viruses and of host-pathogen interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]